£7m Birchwood highways scheme to cut congestion completed

The Warrington East project – a series of transport and highways improvements on Birchwood Way – has officially finished.

The completion of the third and final phase brings to an end the major programme of improvements for the area.

Phase three consisted of the dualling of the A574 Birchwood Way between the Moss Gate/Daten Avenue junction and M62 junction 11. It was opened to traffic in December.

The new carriageway has been constructed on land reserved for this purpose since the Northern Expressway was first built in the mid-1970s as part of the Warrington New Town highway network.

The council says the scheme will play a key role in supporting the economy, including the Birchwood Enterprise Zone, Birchwood Boulevard and Birchwood Shopping Centre.

Northern Powerhouse and local growth minister Mr Berry has responded to the news.

He said: “Congratulations to Warrington Borough Council and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership on the successful completion of this important infrastructure project which will help reduce congestion, improve connections and support businesses to grow.

“This £6.9 million investment from the Government’s local growth fund into the Warrington East highway demonstrates our commitment to boosting economic growth, levelling up and connecting communities across the Northern Powerhouse.”

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, says the scheme will make a ‘huge difference’ to motorists using the stretch of road.

“I’m absolutely delighted that this hugely important project – delivering major transport improvements on a key gateway into Warrington – has been completed on time and well within budget,” he said.

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden was also left delighted.

“The completion of the Warrington East programme is a major success for our borough and an important part of our ongoing investment in our highways infrastructure,” he said.